“These toolbars — in addition to our six- and eight-row trailing and stackerbar configurations — answer the needs of farmers to maximize acres per day during the critical spring window without compromising on yield potential.”

Multiple research studies, including reports from the University of Illinois, University of Wisconsin and Pioneer Hi-Bred International, have shown yield penalties ranging from 3 percent to 17 percent for crops planted after the spring planting window.

To increase planting productivity, farmers can either operate larger equipment or they can increase ground speeds.

“Case IH 1200 Series planters can help on both fronts,” notes Forbes. “Our new 12- and 16-row toolbars provide the productivity that farmers need to cover more acres in shorter planting windows. Plus, the ASM metering system is less susceptible to the rpm and ground speed limitations that can cause seed-to-seed spacing issues with traditional planter designs.”

Meter design can play a critical role in seed size plantability, especially in regard to corn. Traditional planters tend to either favor one size seed or require multiple disk changes between the sizes.

“The 1200 Series planter has no favorites,” says Forbes. “Our planter will consistently and accurately place any size seed corn — even mixed grades. That means farmers are free to choose the varieties they want — based on genetic potential, seed quality or price — without sacrificing agronomic performance.”

“Our engineers cooperated with our field agronomy team to design a planter to address the agronomic issues inherent with planting — depth control, seed-to-soil contact, and seed-to-seed spacing,” adds Forbes.

The planters use time-proven Case IH Early Riser row units, which operate well throughout the tillage spectrum from conventional to no-till. The depth gauge wheel system is designed to follow the ground, even in rough terrain. That means consistent and accurate depth control throughout the field.

For operators experimenting with precision management techniques, 1200 Series planters offer on-the-go variable rate capabilities. Using the Case IH AFS Universal Display, the operator can instantaneously change seed population or the fertilizer application rates. For the spring 2003 planting season, customers will be able to upgrade their systems to include prescription application capabilities.

In addition, a central fill option with retrofit packages also will be offered for the 2003 season.

“Farmers have reinforced for us the productivity benefits of the Case IH central fill found on our Cyclo design,” Forbes says. “We are committed to maintaining our advantage.”